KINGSPORT — GoTriCities has launched a multimedia Web site that aims to revolutionize the way Tri-Cities residents view local video content.

The site, www.Kingsport.tv, is the region’s first Internet video resource that aggregates news, entertainment, cultural and business videos in one place, said GoTriCities Director David Cate.

It’s been online for about a month but had its official launch Thursday.

“We’ve been dabbling with video in working with the Times-News,” Cate said Thursday morning. “This is our effort to roll that video into one location.”

He called the operation a partnership including the newspaper and said he works with Managing Editor Ted Como and City Editor Stephanie McClellan on content, as well as Times-News video reporter Rain Smith. Matt Carroll and Luke Brogden also are helping with Kingsport.tv.

Cate said the motto “Video Anytime Anywhere” highlights the site’s convenient model where a viewer can access content online at their leisure, for free, without a subscription or appointment. The site works with most modern browsers and works better with broadband Internet service than slower dial-up service.

“One of the convenient things about Internet video is that you don’t have to make an appointment to watch it,” Cate said.

He highlighted the site’s nod to Internet users’ overwhelming need for flexibility and choice.

“You can do whatever you want. Out of town — no problem. Go on vacation, take a trip around the world — you’ve got Kingsport video with you wherever you go.”

The site grew from a partnership between producer and online media firm GoTriCities Network and the Kingsport Times-News, Holston Valley Medical Center, the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce, Move to Kingsport and Food City.

Kingsport.tv gives viewers access to several local video series, including:

• “Kingsport.tv Dailies,” the city’s only local news program. Diana Meredith and Jared Bentley host the show at noon daily, providing viewers with breaking news and information.

Cate said the show’s “quick cut” format and “green screen graphics” can keep even the most distracted online browser glued to the news. Wellmont Health System is the initial sponsor of “Dailies.”

• “ChamberZone,” the chamber of commerce’s local business rundown, with hosts Laura Steele and Bob Feagins.

• And “Food City Cooking School,” a weekly cooking and recipe program recorded every Monday at Food City’s Crown Point Center.

The site also includes a archival function with key word searches, and viewers can subscribe to a blog to get notice of content updates.

“That’s just kind of the beginning of where we’re going,” Cate said. “The landscape has completely shifted for all media with the continued growth of the Internet.”

He said television is no longer “the” medium for video.

“All the major networks are shifting their content to the Web,” Cate said.

Cate said plans are already in place for expanding Kingsport.tv programming to include many new ideas including the presentation of user-submitted videos from YouTube, MySpace, Google and other video sharing sites.

“It was important for us to integrate the social aspect of the Web into Kingsport.tv,” Cate said.

Other plans include adding a range of programming from history to outdoors, he said.

For more information contact Cate at dcate@gotricities.net or 392-1741.